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PEOPLE OF THE MORNING

In the southern part of Ethiopia, Lower Omo Valley, resides a semi-nomadic tribe called Banna. The Banna society consumes what they need only by gathering, hunting and raising livestock.

This tribe practices many rituals belonging to their traditional beliefs and different ways of lifestyle. Most of their cultural ceremonies are not known and kept for centuries without influence of the outside world.

The chief of Banna tribe Lale Kotsa, who is looked up for leadership reveals few of their stories and the positive impact of tourism in keeping their traditions alive.

Banna boys must go through a complex ritual called Ukuli Bula in order to pass into adulthood. Every boy has to jump over a number of cows completely naked, without falling.
During the ceremony, women also encourage the boys by singing, dancing and being whipped on their backs with branches . This ritual is very violent, it comes with lots of bleeding and scars, but nobody complains. The game is to be whipped continuously, without showing any pain, and some girls even fight to be the first to be whipped.

Banna men may marry as many women as they like, but only within their own tribe. When a wife gives birth, the husband must also organize a unique blessing ceremony called Dotti.

Fortune tellers in Banna have also an important function in the spiritual lives of the tribe. By reading the stomach of a slaughtered goat, they predict the future. The fortuneteller can tell the good or the bad that might happen in their society.

The Banna people are reaching out for more tourists to come and experience their true way of life.

  • Ben Waloszek
    Director
    Babtism, Carp Hunters, A sense Of Ethiopia
  • Selamawit Woldeselassie Shimels
    Writer
  • Ben Waloszek
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 58 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 8, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Belgium
  • Country of Filming:
    Ethiopia
  • Shooting Format:
    DIGITAL 35 mm FULL FRAME
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • 10th International Documentary Festival of Ierapatra Award
    Ierapetra
    Greece
    August 20, 2023
    OfficIal Selection
  • International Tour Film Festival
    Rome
    Italy
    October 6, 2023
    1st place award winner
  • International Short Film Festival Kalmthout
    Kalmthout
    Belgium
    October 7, 2023
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Ben Waloszek

Ben Waloszek is the founder of Bxposed films. A film production company that helps to create and envision people and companies passions by inspiring, educating and awaking emotions through film.

Ben Waloszek, age 42 was born in Belgium but lived until he was 12 in Germany and has Polish roots. After he returned to Belgium he obtained a Master degree at Antwerp University and now lives in Herentals Belgium.

Ben Waloszek started filmmaking in his early 20's when he was fully involved in serious alpine rock climbing where he was responsible for capturing and documenting these climbs. Years later he started doing run and gun film assignments for pro athletes like red bull bodyboarders, fmx bikers etc.

These days Bxposed film also produces branding film for companies like Jack and Jones, Brax Fashion and Ethiopian Airlines but we also produce documentaries and other passion projects where we always try to inspire with storytelling, beautiful imagery and fluid editing pacing.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I directed this film " People of the morning" after I came in contact with Selam Wolde to co-produce this short documentary.

Selam has Ethiopian roots and did her first school paper on these tribes decades ago. After staying with the tribes, Selam came to realize that not much of the lower Omo tribes culture is known.

As a filmmaker, I have always been passionate about travel filmmaking which exposes the cultural differences in lifestyles.

We had the privilege to stay with a tribe called Banna. Where we witnessed their unique culture.

The Banna people are reaching out for more tourists to come and experience their true way of living. Tourism in a respectful manner, where people have the chance to really get to know their culture.
Because of recent developments, tourism will become more important in the upcoming years and even essential to sustain their basic needs.